What to Expect After ETS Sympathectomy Surgery

After having ETS surgery (micro-invasive endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy), you will be moved to the recovery area. The breathing tube that was inserted during the operation will have been removed in the operating room.

As soon as you wake up from surgery, you will notice an immediate effect. Your hands, and usually your feet, will be warm and dry.

We will remove one of the small chest tubes while you are in the recovery area. After approximately two hours, you will be moved to a regular hospital room. Shortly after you get to your room, we will remove the second chest tube.

Most patients return home within 24 hours. For some patients who need a little more time waking up from the anesthesia, an overnight stay may be required.

You will experience some pain around the incision sites. Most patients take oral pain medications or acetaminophen for seven to 10 days following surgery.

You will return to the clinic for a follow-up visit approximately one week after surgery. At that time, we will remove any remaining sutures. There are no activity restrictions after the surgery, and you should be able to return to work within one week.